The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has raised questions about the security measures in place for top executives at major tech companies. While some pay modest amounts, others spend millions to protect their CEOs.
Thompson had an in-house security detail but was alone when shot outside a Manhattan hotel. This incident highlights the importance of investing in high-level security for CEOs who are often wealthy and high-profile targets.
Bill Herzog, CEO of LionHeart Security Services, notes that companies should prioritize CEO protection, especially if they have high-net-worth individuals like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk at the helm. Herzog’s company charges $60 an hour or more for round-the-clock security services, which can cost upwards of $1 million per year.
Some tech giants pay significantly more than others to protect their CEOs. Meta, led by Zuckerberg, spent over $23.4 million on his personal security in 2023, including $9.4 million in direct costs and $14 million for an annual allowance for “additional costs related to Mr. Zuckerberg’s personal security.”
Alphabet (Google) paid $6.8 million for Sundar Pichai’s personal security in 2023, while Tesla spent $2.4 million on Elon Musk’s security services in the same year. Nvidia spent around $2.2 million on residential security and consultation fees for Jensen Huang.
Apple also prioritized Tim Cook’s security, paying $820,309 for expenses related to his protection in 2023. While these costs may seem high, they reflect the importance of protecting CEOs who are often at risk due to their wealth and position.
Source: https://fortune.com/article/billionaire-ceos-security-costs-united-healthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-meta-tesla-apple-nvidia-google